THE FRANKLIN - AUTUMN 2020
Why bioaccumulation isn’t just for plastics what’s really in your meat.
One day, all of Lulu’s pod will end up like her -
By Niamh Stafford, 7T
or dies. This happens in other animals.
─
When you hear ‘bioaccumulation,’ you usually think of how sea creatures ingest plastics. People worry about the impact of plastics in the environment, but nobody talks about the impact of toxic industrial chemicals. These chemicals might be banned, but they don’t break down, and stay dangerous for a long time. Animals end up having it in their bodies as part of the food chain, a process called bioaccumulation. In Scotland in 2016, scientists were surprised to find an orca known as ‘Lulu’ washed up dead at shore. They found the highest levels of a chemical called Polychlorinated Biphenyls, or PCBs, in her body ever recorded. Although they were banned in 1979, they are designed to not break down. It is estimated that 80% of the PCBs ever produced have not broken down. Through bioaccumulation, animals are dying from this chemical. PCBs used to be used in electric items like old mobile phones, and sometimes in plastics, although not in most modern-day plastic. The process of bioaccumulation starts off with the
washed up dead on shore. When a PCB enters the body of an animal, it dissolves in the animal’s fat but doesn’t break down, staying locked in the animal until it is eaten
A recent study has shown that mother porpoises offload these PCBs into their mammary glands, feeding their calves these deadly toxins. The mother also feeds PCBs into the unborn calf through the placenta. The chemicals are not only toxic to the brain and hormonal system, they slash through populations. Orca populations off the shore of industrial countries like Japan and the US are predicted to completely collapse. Here’s something chilling to think about
─ you’ve
probably got PCB in your body right now. You can only find two milligrams of PCB per square kilometre, so it is hard to detect, unlike other
poisonous substances like mercury. If you were to eat three meals of tuna for a week, your mercury levels would easily double. This leads us to wonder what we are doing to ourselves with PCBs. There is no doubt you’ve probably eaten PCB through fish. There are scientists who refuse to eat anything out of the ocean for that exact reason; because so many toxins like PCB have been in them.
tiny plankton. The chemical gets washed into
Humans have only themselves to blame. There are
oceans and rivers. Thousands of plankton eat
other examples where human actions have led to
contaminated PCB algae and then fish eat
bad consequences for themselves. For example,
thousands of the plankton every day. There are
take Mad Cow Disease, or Creutzfeldt-Jakob
only small amounts of PCB in the plankton so it is
disease, or just CJD, which attacks the brain and
not enough to kill the plankton. It goes along the
nervous system. CJD occurred in the 1990s when
food chain, and the fish are eaten by penguins,
farmers decided to feed cows the ground up
which are eaten by seals, which are eaten by
organs of other cows. Farmers took the parts of
orcas. Each time something is eaten, the predator
the cow they couldn’t sell, like the brain and
gets a higher concentration than the previous
spinal cord, (the parts mostly affected by CJD)
animal eaten. An orca is taking in millions of
and fed them to other cows. Through time, other
plankton. The results are devastating.
cows began to accumulate this disease by eating
Lulu’s pod has not had any calves in 25 years, and before Lulu washed up, scientists did not know the cause. When a chemical like PCB begins to poison an animal, it confuses its hormones.
infected cows’ spine and brain. The farmers would slaughter sick cows and feed other cows the sick cow. Soon after, humans ate the infected beef and caught the human version of CJD.
THE FRANKLIN - AUTUMN 2020
Luckily, there are no cases of CJD left in the
Although the damage to humans is minimal, the
world, but cows are bad for the environment in
damage to the environment is much larger, and we
other ways. We know they produce a lot of
ought to be careful in what we put in the ocean.
methane, contributing to global warming, but they also carry a deadly parasite called T.Gondii, which breeds in the guts of domestic cats. You may think: how did it get into the cow? Don’t worry about your pet cat, as most cats have T.Gondii in their guts. It’s your own food you have to worry about. T.Gondii originally comes from rats and mice and the parasite infects their brain so that they are no longer scared of cats. The cat then catches the mouse or rat, and the parasite finds its way into the gut of the cat, and breeds. It doesn’t affect the cat at all and is excreted as
Sources:
Wikipedia; Toxoplasma Gondii, PCB. BBC News; 'Toxic Chemical Cocktail’ passed to baby porpoises. NOAA’s National Ocean Service; the year of the PCB ban. Inspiration from the BBC’s ‘Ocean Autopsy:’ back in December, I got the opportunity to meet Dr. McGavin, a presenter of this documentary. Chris Packham’s ‘Nature’s weirdest events’ for the majority of the T.Gondii information.
faeces.
Healthlink BC; information on mad cow disease.
T.Gondii gets into farm animal’s food and into
Energy and Construction
fertilizers used on fields. When the cows and other animals eat the grass and food, T.Gondii gets into their brain and then humans eat the
By Olivia Bebb 7D
infected animal. If you are strong and healthy, you
Did you know that many buildings expand as they
will go your whole life without knowing you ever
heat up in the sun?
had this parasite living in your body. Most people don’t know they have it because your immune system usually keeps it at bay. Not everybody has T.Gondii in their body. It is estimated that one in three people have it dormantly. If one of those three people had a cat, that person would most
For example, bridges often get slightly longer as they heat up in the sun. Large bridges have special joints with gaps in them which give them room to expand. This is called an expansion joint and without them, bridges could break and collapse.
likely have the parasite. If no-one owned a cat, it could be totally random. The parasite not only spreads from rodent to cat, but it also from cat to cat, and of course, through your food. It is found in any farm animal that chews the cud, but is particularly found in red meat. It could be behind many mysterious mental illnesses. But if we learn how to treat it, it could be a revolutionary medical breakthrough. From PCB tuna to T.Gondii red meat, you would be surprised as to what’s really in your food. You may feel more vegan after reading this article. I do after writing it. Nevertheless, remember that meat may carry serious diseases and toxins, it won’t kill you. In fact, if you hadn’t read this, you would not have known what’s really in your food.
The Eiffel Tower has the same concept. It can grow 15cm taller during the summer!
THE FRANKLIN - AUTUMN 2020
Why does this happen? When many materials heat up, their molecules spread out. This makes them expand or get bigger. When they cool down, they contract, or get smaller.
He had never gone to school before, and what if people teased him for the way he does Nasty things? Anyway, the day had finally arrived. He was welcomed into the school by a boy named Mguyen. He thought that was the weirdest name he had ever heard and was about to tell him that until he was rudely interrupted by Mrs Alade. She was about to tell us something important, because otherwise she wouldn’t have stood on the table yelling her head off. But Herman was wrong and she Simply said “ Please follow me, So you can meet your new Class.” so he obviously followed her. Herman entered the class and saw at least 48
Reference from “Usborne Children's Encyclopedia”
The same problem occurs in railway tracks. They buckle and change shape when it gets hot, so to help in warm weather they leave gaps in the tracks and make the trains go slower.
students gathered together. He got the shock of his life as he hadn’t seen that many children at once before. As he glanced around the room he saw beautiful pieces of Art and photos of Kids running around and having fun. He was about to look at the other side of the room when a young girl Came over to Herman. “Hi there, my name is Scevola Tilton. What is your name?”. Herman answered her in a small voice “ My name is Herman Valancier. Nice to meet you!”. Herman had made his first friend and from that day onwards, for the whole year, he was satisfied.
Herman’s Life By Jaspreet Gill 8G; Elemental Soup chemistry creative writing competition, May 2020 His name was Herman. Although he was only Little, he had the most revolting habits, like smelling his Belly Button and picking his nose! People went over to him and told him to Be normal however he thought that he was being Cool as he saw the older students do that! But, No matter how many times people told him this, he still continued with the same Off-putting behaviour. This was Little Herman’s life, until he turned Four… At four years of age, Herman had to go to school with the other students. He acted as if he was the most courageous person on earth, but inside he was the most Nervous person on earth!
Scevola and Herman were the bestest of friends, even though Scevola knew his horrible habits. Now they were in year 1! The first year had gone! The first day of year one was probably the best day of Herman’s life. Firstly, he was welcomed by the kindest teacher, Mrs Crimson, and he learnt how to pronounce Mn. The first day went so quickly and he was no longer the most nervous boy in the world! The second day, a new boy had joined the school. His name was Federico and soon he was a part of Scevola and Herman’s group. The years went pretty quick from then. Year 2 then Year 3 then Year 4 and Year 5 until Year 6 and things started to change… Year 6 had started, they were still the bestest of friends, Scevola, Federico and Herman, but friendship was the last thing on our mind as we had to Concentrate on our exams. This was a big chance to get into the senior school of our choice, so we had to prepare.
THE FRANKLIN - AUTUMN 2020
Their teachers were very Nice and helped them as
Herman lay on his bed and looked above at the
much as they could until the main exam. The day before the test the teacher wanted to make an announcement. While she was talking about all the good luck she was wishing them, Herman was chomping on some Cucumber until he heard the
bright lamp and the beautiful decorative lamp shade until the Telephone rang.
words “...Just to clarify there is going to be five tests; Maths, History, English Geography and
answer in Chinese pretending he was a tourist. He said “Nǐ hǎo Xe'è”. This meant “Hello Evil”
Science. Now remember to do a quick revision before the test. Good luck everyone and see you on Monday! Class dismissed.” Before Herman left he quickly jotted all the notes down in his Znicce
but that was not what he was intending to say. The recipient didn’t understand him but then asked if they could speak to Herman. Herman laughed and said it was him speaking! Herman
notepad and then Galloped out the Georgian gates. The next day, As usual, everyone gathered in front of the gates ready to take their exams.
knew it was Scevola and Federico because they said they would call, but this time Federico had news…
Herman could See the nerves in everyone, however he was just excited to get in the school and do the exams. As everyone was placed in
He said “Madam Cserber has sent us our results and percentage for each test.
their seats, silence Broke out and the exams had begun. The first exam was the Maths exam and Herman was extremely confident in this subject. He did all the other exams successfully and when the last test was over, Scevola, Federico and Herman out for lunch in a restaurant called Krimpy which had the best tasting pizza in the world and the best Rbudard drink! The Rbudard drink was a special drink with rhubarb and custard mixed together. Sounds revolting but it really isn’t!
Basically, Scevola got 69% in History, 71% in Maths, 80% in Geography, 88% Science and 96% in English. I got 77% in History, 56% in Maths, 93% in Geography, 98% in Science and 95% in English. Finally, Herman, you got 100% in History, 100% in Maths, 99% in Geography, 100% in science and 98% in English! And Herman you have received an Academic Scholarship for a senior school of your choice! Well Done Lad!”
Later, they all went to Scevola’s house and stayed overnight while playing the 4 best games; Sraylog, Yip Yap Yop, Zricon and Nb (which stands for Never Beat). After that they treated themselves to a Movie and Tc disc, which was a long sour sweet. Soon after the movie Scevola’s mum and dad, Ruth and Rhad, told them to sleep as they had to wake up early tomorrow, well, not really Federico. It was mostly Herman as he was going abroad and he doesn’t want to miss his flight. The next morning Herman left for his flight, and boarded the Pd aircraft which was going to take Herman and his family to Aarhus in Denmark and then to Russia. Once they had landed in Russia they were living in a hotel named Aguila Cdata. In the room was a bed and a beautiful scenery. This trip was not only exotic for Herman but he learnt 2 letters from the Russian language; Snoj and Sgboy.
Herman asked “Should I pick it?” and the Ruth nodded. Herman picked the phone and tried to
Herman was speechless and it felt as if someone had put Cellotape on his lips. It took a few minutes for him to Pronounce a word. After they talked for a bit and then hung up the phone. Herman was still absolutely speechless about what had just happened! He ran to tell his parents and they were over the moon. They were looking at some schools and they recommended Nd High School or the school which he goes to now, Pm High School and Sm High School. Herman knew Scevola and Federico were going to that school and that it was an excellent school so he decided to go there with his friends. The next few months were the summer holidays and there was a lot of political drama over this period! There was a vote on whether we should leave the Eu or not. Herman’s family obviously voted not to leave but the whole country decided to leave.
THE FRANKLIN - AUTUMN 2020
Not that it mattered to Herman anyway, it is just
They had finished their exam and decided to
to fill you with some information about his life. Year 7 had now started on the 7th of September and Herman, Scevola and Federico were in the same class. They were always together, supporting
take a swim and meet up with Federico. Herman was trying to beat his Pb, personal best, timings however he was too occupied talking to his friends and enjoying the moment. After
each other all the way through to the end of the year when a girl named Amy invited all of the class for a party. She gave them an invitation via email with the date Tbc, and we asked why it is “to
swimming they went to a restaurant and the Bill was 16 Pounds. They paid the bill and left the restaurant.
be confirmed” and she said it was because her brother, Dylan, was abroad and they aren’t one hundred percent sure when he is coming Home.
The time until University went really quickly and Herman, Scevola and Federico had all applied for different universities. Herman continued
Soon later that week she confirmed a date; the 5th of July so they all went to the party.
learning during his time in University. At the end of studying 3 years, he got his medical degree and decided to become a pharmacist and specifically focused on the term Rnaze, the breaking down of molecules.
The party was super fun. It had a famous band, Eric and Tim, and it had periodic table games which Herman loved. You had to answer the questions about the table and he answered Yb, which was ytterbium and he won a chocolate hamper. After the band, Amy made an announcement saying it was a Lunar Eclipse and we were going to watch it. It was so late at night that Herman was
When Herman, Scevola and Federico were in their early 20’s, their group split. Federico was in a car accident and unfortunately passed away however Scevola and Herman were in love. Soon later, Herman married Scevola and they were on their way to their honeymoon in France. They learnt may things about France’s History; such as
exhausted and left a long Hfffffffff and went inside for a cold glass of Tango. When the party was over, Amy Remembered to give them a party bag with goods from a fair in Oslo in Norway. One the way home, Scevola and Federico were talking about Irrelevant information so Herman started thinking about what he should do when he gets
the Rations during war and the Actinium problem when it was needed the most in medicine.
home. He might continue his Pterosaur project for Dr. Augual. Or he might finish his essay on Hgvs for engineering. He might just finish his science
named Alina. She grew up to the age of 6 when Herman, Scevola got their second child, Me, who was named Federico, named after their best
homework on TI, Thallium, and about the shells and electrons. He had too much to do!
friend. They started going to school and learning the alphabet “....Q, R, S, T, U, V…” and soon when
The next five years went super fast and before he
they had a phone started to use abbreviations when texting such as “Np” for no problem.
knew it, Herman was in college. Federico had gone to a different college however Scevola was with
Time Flew by and soon, Alina and Federico
Herman. They still kept in contact though,
weren’t children but in college. Herman and
using all the gadgets and latest technology. They were about to sit their exams which would
Scevola had Put aside some money for Alina to get a good education. Alina was about to go to
determine their life story.
University. Herman asked her “Are you ready?” and Alina simply answered “ I Am” and she left.
After a few months they received their results; Scevola got 69% meaning she can get into
The cycle had restarted. Alina got married and Herman and Scevola soon became grandparents.
University of Northampton. however, Herman got 99% meaning he had a chance to get into
And I, well, I was watching my Sister grow. I soon got married too, of course, but before I left I had
Cambridge University and study medicine.
one job to do to Herman, my dad, and to Scevola, My mum.
Now they were married for a year, and just Then, Scevola got Pregnant, and soon later they both became Parents. They got a girl and she was
THE FRANKLIN - AUTUMN 2020
I had to sing the periodic table in Symbols, and
Dopamine is usually released when we do
hey, don’t judge, it was a memory. I began, H, He, Li, Be, B, C, N, O….. until the last part Cm, Bk, Cf, Es, Fm…
something that is essential for our survival like
Suddenly Herman fell on the ground. Scevola, Alina and I immediately took Herman to the hospital and took him to the ICU unit but Herman had once taken Mdma which is illegal now meaning his life was at threat. The Doctors only had one option left Now. They had to do Lrgwut, testing, on him, and figured out how to cure him.
eating. This makes a lot of sense as it encourages us to do more of this essential action. However, we can all agree that music is not essential for survival in the same way that eating is, so why does this happen?
He had to be treated with Rffit which was another test my father told me about. Soon, after a few weeks, he was cured and I told Herman the news that he missed. “ So, Alina had a baby and she said her first few words, well, more like sounds. She said this: Dbubub Sgidid Bhaha Hsitit Mtatia. Cute right?” Herman nodded and said “ This Life is a Journey, so enjoy my son. Go to your University, study hard and earn you points!” I waved at dad and left. Well, that was all I can really tell you about my dad, because from then, I was at University. I studied hard and soon became a Periodic Table specialist, which would classify and test elements from the periodic table. I mainly study, Ds, Rg, Cn, Uut, Fl, Uup, Lv, Uus and Uuo. This was it really. Now my dad’s life was very complicated however my life was nothing less. The same genetic life we had!
Patterns
As humans we love patterns. Zatorre, a neuroscientist, said that we have evolved to recognize patterns as it is important for our survival. Does a rustling mean that an animal will attack, does smoke mean there is a fire? Music is a pattern, as we listen we are constantly anticipating what tune or chord will come next. This is why we usually don't like styles of music that we
Why do we love music? By Sofia and Heather, Year 10 We all love music. Whether it is rock, jazz or classical we all enjoy dancing along to our favourite tune. But have you ever thought about why we like it so much, or why it can make us feel so many different emotions? Or even why we started making music in the first place? Let's find out... The effect that music has on us
When we listen to music, especially music we like, our brains release a chemical called dopamine which makes us happy.
don't know very well as we cannot predict the patterns. If we cannot predict music patterns it can make us bored of the music.
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Cheesecake
Steven Pinker said that music is like auditory cheesecake. We didn't evolve to like cheesecake,
cadences”. This theory would explain how music came to be part of our culture in the first place.
but most of us do because we love the sweet
Overall, it isn’t really known why music has such
taste, it is not a necessity for humans. He says
an effect on us and as you can see there are many
that music is a side effect of our language and
theories about it. Maybe we will never really know
responding to different sounds like shouting or
why our body releases dopamine when we listen
crying. But not all scientists agree with this.
to music or why it can make us feel so many
Movement
Some neuroscientists think that music shares the same fingerprints as movement. You don't have to teach a baby how to dance with a beat, or teach them if music is happy or sad, they just know. Findings suggest that music activates the
cerebellum, at the base of the brain, which is also involved in the coordination and timing of
emotions. We can all agree however that music is a huge part of our life and culture, which helps us connect with others and whether we like country or pop music we all enjoy and benefit from music in some way.
DNA Structure By Olivia Bebb 7D
movement. According to research, when we listen to music, we tend to act out the body movements, such as clapping your hands or nodding your head, which we believe mimics the sound. For example, we often clap our feet to the beat of drums when listening to a particular song, as if mimicking the instrument to make the exact sound, it’s the body’s way of trying to better understand music as a whole. This also explains how we can tell which emotion a piece of music is trying to convey as it is a similar process used to identify what movements show what emotions.
Plincipart.com-inspiration for drawing.
‘Genetic Scissors’ By Paul Rincon (Science editor, BBC News Website)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment54432589 Two female scientists (Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudena) have been awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing the tools to Mate Selection
Charles Darwin thought that music was originally used by men as a way to impress females and challenge rival males. He said that “When we treat of sexual selection we shall see that primeval man, or rather some early progenitor of man, probably first used his voice in producing true musical
edit DNA. To find out more click the link above.
Franklin Editorial Fatima Akhtar - Year 13 Editor Ms Brown - Editor in Chief